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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Difference Between These Two Medications?

I have a lot of stress in my life right now taking care of both parents that have major health issues..neither are driving at the moment and I doubt my mom will be again. Dad has dementia and mom has high BP, congestive heart failure and is diabetic (she won t eat correctly) and severely anemic at this point. Anyway, I am an only child and it is up to me to help with all shopping, dr visits, as well as watching medications for both to make sure they are taken, and taken correctly. I have had .5 mg alprazolam, but have been taking 1 in the morning and two in the evening. My PCP put me on 20mg Citalopram daily....what is the difference between the two and can I take the Alprazolam if needed. I have also been having a lot of back pain...am doing PT. I do take 2000mg Tylenol and 200 advil at night as well as 50mg tramadol for pain
posted on Fri, 25 Apr 2014
Twitter Mon, 21 Nov 2016 Answered on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine, it is a potentially dependent drug where tolerance develops (need more and more for the same effect).
It was used many years ago for anxiety but because of the addictive effects, it is not used long term in most persons.

It can be used to help with insomnia.

Citalopram is in the SSRI family of medications, it is used for anxiety and depression.
These medications are also used for chronic pain in persons who do not have either anxiety or depression.
They are non addictive.

There are no drug interactions and they can used safely together

I hope this helps
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What Is The Difference Between These Two Medications?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine, it is a potentially dependent drug where tolerance develops (need more and more for the same effect). It was used many years ago for anxiety but because of the addictive effects, it is not used long term in most persons. It can be used to help with insomnia. Citalopram is in the SSRI family of medications, it is used for anxiety and depression. These medications are also used for chronic pain in persons who do not have either anxiety or depression. They are non addictive. There are no drug interactions and they can used safely together I hope this helps